Skip to main content Skip to footer

Camping Reservation Policy

Before making a camping reservation through our online reservation system, please familiarize yourself with the policies on this page and also our Regulations and Guidelines.

  • All camping reservations (serviced or unserviced campsites, excluding group sites) require full payment of the camping fee for the entire duration of stay, plus the non-refundable reservation fee ($13.00), at the time that reservation is made. Group Camping has a different fee structure (see Group Camping Sites section below).

  • In case of multiple reservations for the same time period, each campsite must be registered under the name of the actual occupant. Up to 3 reservations can be made at a time.

  • Any changes to reservation dates, change of campsite, or cancellation requires the payment of a modification fee ($8.00) or a cancellation fee ($15.00). See the Reservation Modifications and Cancellations section below for more information.

  • There is a minimum two night stay when a reservation includes a Friday or Saturday night during June, July and August.

For a complete list of fees please consult our fee pages. Note that fees and services vary based on the conservation area. 

Your campsite fee entitles you to the following:

  • One picnic table per site.
  • One vehicle permit is included with each campsite reservation. A maximum of three vehicles are permitted on each campsite except at Rockwood and Pinehurst where only one vehicle is permitted on each campsite overnight. At Rockwood and Pinehurst, additional vehicles must be parked in parking lots overnight. 
  • All additional vehicles must purchase an additional vehicle permit at time of campsite registration for an overnight fee of $17.00 per additional vehicle.
  • One fire pit per site.
  • Three pieces of equipment allowed on campsite; including one piece of equipment with wheels (camper or trailer) and dining shelter. A maximum of three sleeping units is allowed per campsite.
  • A maximum of six people per site.
  • Check-in after 2 p.m. on arrival date.
  • Campsite must be vacated by noon on departure date.
  • Tents must be set up on tent pad, if available, on site.
  • Rockwood tents: All tents must be set up on tent pads.
  • Pinehurst trailers: All trailers to be set up on gravel drive, if available on site.

If any maximum is exceeded, another campsite is required.

  • A change to the campsite reservation may be made until 8 p.m. on the day of arrival. A modification fee of $8.00 will apply.
  • A modification of the campsite reservation date(s) made before 9 p.m. three days prior to arrival will result in a modification fee of $8.00.
  • A modification of the campsite reservation date(s) with less than three days notice will result in the forfeiture of one night's camping fees.
  • Campsite reservations may be cancelled until 9 p.m. three days prior to arrival. A cancellation fee of $15.00 will apply.
  • Campsite reservation cancellations with less than three days' notice will result in the forfeiture of one night's camping fees in addition to a $15.00 cancellation fee.

  • A nightly base fee and a non-refundable reservation fee of $13.00 are required to book a group camping site (including youth groups). 

  • The remainder of the group camping fees, including per person fees and per vehicle fees, will be collected when you arrive at the conservation area.

  • Pool fees are not included in camping fees.

  • Group Camping sites are booked through our online reservation system.

When an alcohol ban is not in effect, the consumption of alcohol is only permitted on registered campsites within the conservation area. 

Some conservation areas have bans in place during the camping season which prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites.

  • Elora Gorge Conservation Area: A total alcohol ban is in effect for all dates throughout the season. This ban prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites. 
  • Byng Island Conservation Area: Alcohol is banned on Labour Day weekend (Thursday to Tuesday) anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites.
  • Laurel Creek Conservation Area: Alcohol is banned from May 1 (opening day) until the third Sunday in June, and on Labour Day weekend (Thursday to Tuesday) anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites.
  • All conservation areas: Alcohol is banned during the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday to Tuesday) anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites.

When a cannabis ban is not in effect, the consumption of cannabis is permitted on a registered campsite and in open spaces, like trails and parking lots. 

Cannabis use is not permitted:

  • on the sand portion of beaches and swimming areas,
  • within the enclosure area surrounding swimming pools,
  • near splash pads and playgrounds,
  • within picnic shelters or pavilions with more than two solid sides, or inside washrooms. 

Cannabis use will be banned entirely during periods where established alcohol bans exist. The following are the existing alcohol bans that also apply to cannabis:

  • Elora Gorge Conservation Area: A total cannabis ban is in effect for all operating dates from May 1 to October 15 inclusive. This ban prohibits the possession or consumption of cannabis anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites.
  • Byng Island Conservation Area: A total cannabis ban is in effect on Labour Day weekend (Thursday to Tuesday) anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites.
  • Laurel Creek Conservation Area: A total cannabis ban is in effect from May 1 (opening day) until the third Sunday in June, and on Labour Day weekend (Thursday to Tuesday) anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites.
  • All conservation areas: Cannabis is banned during the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday to Tuesday) anywhere within the conservation area, including all registered campsites.

Contact Us

Grand River Conservation Authority
400 Clyde Road, PO Box 729
Cambridge, ON
N1R 5W6
Phone: 519-621-2761
Toll Free: 1-866-900-4722
grca@grandriver.ca